A WiMAX simulation module for investigating QoS during horizontal handovers

WiMAX is one of the most interesting solutions for broadband wireless access, supporting multimedia traffic and applications through an appropriate QoS management for fixed and mobile devices. Simulation tools play a central role to study network performance and to test new functionalities. In this paper we propose a new simulation module, compliant to IEEE 802.16e, which implements the five WiMAX QoS classes and handover procedures as well, so as to support investigations on QoS management during mobility in WiMAX scenarios. The developed tool has been validated and tested through exhaustive simulations, showing its conformance with the defined specifications.